Albert Barnes Commentary Philemon 1:6

"that the fellowship of thy faith may become effectual, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in you, unto Christ." — Philemon 1:6 (ASV)

That the communication of thy faith. That is, this was a subject of prayer by the apostle, that the "communication of his faith" might receive from all the proper acknowledgment of the good that he did in the Christian cause. The phrase translated "communication of thy faith" means making your faith common to others; that is, enabling others to partake of its fruits, namely, through good deeds. On the meaning of the word here translated "communication" (koinōnia, koinonia), see Barnes on Ephesians 3:9.

Compare to Philippians 2:1;

See Barnes on Philippians 3:10.

Calvin has well expressed the sense of this passage: "It is to be observed that the apostle here does not continue with commending Philemon, but rather expresses what he desires for him from the Lord. These words are connected with those in which he says that he remembered him in his prayers. What, therefore, did he desire for Philemon? That his faith, expressing itself through good fruits, might be shown to be true and not vain. For he calls that the communication of his faith when it does not remain inactive within, but comes forth to benefit others through its proper effects. For although faith has its proper place in the heart, it still communicates itself to others through good works." The meaning is, that he desired that Philemon would so make common the proper fruits of faith by his good deeds towards others, that all might acknowledge it to be genuine and efficacious.

May become effectual. Greek: "May be energetic" (energēs); may become operative, active, effective.

By the acknowledging. That is, so as to secure from others the proper recognition of the existence of faith in your heart. In other words, so that others may see that you are truly pious, and understand to what extent you have faith.

Of every good thing which is in you. Of every good principle, and of every benevolent trait, which is in your character. That is, the proper outward expression of his faith in Christ, by doing good to others, would be a development of the benevolence that existed in his heart.

In Christ Jesus. Or "towards (eis) Christ Jesus." The goodness in his heart was directed toward the Lord Jesus as its proper object, but would be made evident by his kindness to others.

The truth taught in this passage, therefore, is that when faith exists in the heart, it is very desirable that it should share its proper fruits with others in such a way that all may see it is active and recognize its power. In other words, it is desirable that when true religion exists, it should be fairly developed, so that its possessor may be acknowledged to be under its influence.

We should wish that he may receive all the credit and honor to which the goodness of his heart entitles him. Paul supposed that a situation had now arisen in which Philemon was given an opportunity to show the world how much he was governed by the faith of the gospel.